Peach tree named ‘Burpeachthirtynine’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtynine’, and which produces an attractively colored white fleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 25 to June 5 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Latin name: Prunus persica.

Varietal Denomination: ‘Burpeachthirtynine’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program offruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improvethe commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, androotstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus,Malus, Punica and Juglans species. To this end we make both controlled,and hybrid cross pollinations, each year, in order to produce seedlingpopulations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtynine’ was originated by us, and selectedfrom a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchardswhich are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their ownroots, were derived from planting seed derived from an unpatented peachtree which has been designated by us as ‘D2.054’, and which furtherproduces yellow fruit. The pollen parent was a ‘Galaxy’ Peach Tree(USDA, unpatented). Fruit was collected from the female parents andseeds were later extracted. After a period of stratification, the seedwas placed in our greenhouse, by population, and then field planted fortree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. Oneseedling which produced yellow-fleshed fruit, which is the presentvariety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was thendesignated as ‘N52.122’. This seedling was marked for subsequentobservation. After the 2007 fruiting season, the new variety of peachtree was selected for advanced evaluation, and repropagation. Generallyspeaking, and in comparison to the female parent, the current variety ofpeach tree produces fruit which has an earlier ripening date(approximately 1 week), and is saucer (donut) shaped. Still further thefruit is white-fleshed, and globose shaped. The aforementionedcharacteristics are different than the fruit produced by the female(unpatented) parent, ‘D2.054’. Additionally the fruit produced by thenew variety of peach tree is more rounded in shape, flavorful, andexhibits a more external reddish blush than the fruit produced by the‘Galaxy’ peach tree, and which is the male parent.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree wasaccomplished by bud grafting the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimentalorchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations ofthese asexually reproduced plants have shown that those asexualreproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of theoriginal tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to betransmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtynine’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, whichis considered of relatively large size, and which further has a vigorousgrowth characteristic. The new tree produces white-fleshed, low acid,saucer-shaped fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities.This new peach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately600 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruitthroughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit ofthe new peach tree also appears to have good handling and shippingqualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtynine’ peach tree additionally bears fruitwhich are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment onapproximately May 25 to June 2 under the ecological conditionsprevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relativecomparison to the ‘Galaxy’ peach tree (U.S.D.A. unpatented), and whichis the closest known variety, and the male parent, the new variety ofpeach tree bears fruit that ripens some 5-7, or more days, earlier.Further, the new variety does not exhibit ‘stem pull’, that is, fruitskin torn from the stem cavity upon picking. Moreover, the new varietyexhibits a higher percentage of reddish blush on the skin of the fruit.In addition to the foregoing, the new variety of peach tree producesfruit that is considered a true clingstone. This is contrast to thefruit produced by the ‘Galaxy’ peach tree (unpatented).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph whichdepicts the fruit which is harvested from the new peach tree variety.The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit which are viewed from theapical and basal aspects. Additionally, one mature fruit is bisected inthe sagittal or sutural plane, and displays the flesh color, and theexposed stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of thefruit as shown in the photograph, is sufficiently matured for harvestingand shipment. The colors in this photograph are as nearly true as isreasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due tochemical development, processing and printing, the leaves, and fruitdepicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when comparedto the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references shouldbe made to the color plates as provided in Royal Horticultural Society,Fourth Edition, 2004, and the general color descriptions as indicated,hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute acommercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the presentvariety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological orother characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, thisdisclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claimsincluding, but not limited to, a breach of warranty of merchantability,or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which isdirected, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of peach tree, the following was observed during the7th fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing atthe orchards of the assignee, and which are located near the town ofFowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color codedesignations are by reference to The R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition,2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium-large, to large, in its            growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach            cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree            of the present variety was pruned to a height of            approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial            maturity.        -   Width.—Approximately 285.0 cm.        -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present peach tree variety            grew from about 180.0 cm. to about 200.0 cm. in height            during the first growing season. The new variety was pruned            to a height of approximately 170.0 cm. during the first            dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then selected for            the desired tree structure.        -   Productivity.—Productive. The fruit set varies from more            than the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired            amounts, when the new variety of peach tree is grown in a            suitable horticultural zone, and under appropriate            commercial nursery conditions. The fruit set is spaced, by            thinning, so as to develop the remaining fruit into the            desired market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit set            varies with the prevailing climatic conditions, and the            horticultural practices which are employed.        -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. The fruit set has been more than            adequate during the previous years of observation, and            thinning was necessary during the past 7 years on both the            original seedling and on subsequent asexually reproduced            trees.        -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.        -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered            that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to            obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air            movement, and appropriate amounts of sunlight to improve            fruit color, and the renewal of fruiting wood throughout the            tree.        -   Hardiness.—The present peach tree was grown and evaluated in            USDA Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling            requirements of the new tree is approximately 600 hours at a            temperature at or below 7.0 degrees C. The present peach            tree variety appears to be hardy under typical central San            Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.5 cm in diameter when measured at            a distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the soil level.            This measurement was taken at the end of the 7th growing            season.        -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with folds of            papery scarfskin being present. Since the bark development,            and bark coloration change with advancing tree age this            characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and regional            conditions where the tree is grown. Therefore, this tree            characteristic is not a dependable descriptor of the new            variety.        -   Lenticels.—Flat, oval lenticels are present on the trunk but            are not abundant. The lenticels range in size from            approximately 4.0 millimeters to about 6.0 mm. in width, and            between about 2.0 and about 3.0 millimeters in height. The            development and size of the trunk lenticels can be            influenced, to some degree, by the ambient growing            conditions. Consequently this is not, necessarily, a            dependable and distinguishing characteristic of this peach            tree variety. As trees of this new variety mature, lenticels            are present, but they are generally covered by increasing            layers of cork (mature bark), and therefore become less            apparent.        -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange-brown, (RHS            Greyed-Orange Group N167 B).        -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to            be a grey-brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N200 B). This bark            description was taken from trees in their seventh leaf which            have ruptured the scarf skin, and which further, also, have            developed bark furrowing which is much more typical of the            bark of older trees.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach tree varieties.            The branches typically have a diameter of about 12.0            centimeters when measured during the 8th year after            grafting.        -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood            which is several years old.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and            are usually found growing at an angle of about 48 to about            57 degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This            characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree            vigor, rootstock and other horticultural conditions.        -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially            glabrous.        -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.6 cm.        -   Color of mature branches.—Approximately grey brown, (RHS            Greyed-Brown Group 199 D).        -   Current season's shoots.—Color. — Medium green, (RHS Green            Group 143 C). The color of new shoot tips is considered a            bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 147 C). The            vegetative shoot color can be significantly influenced by            plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and the exposure of            the tree to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered            a consistent botanical characteristic of this new variety.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf            measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,            current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should            be understood that the leaf size is often influenced by            prevailing growing conditions, quality of sunlight, and the            location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this            reason, leaf sizes can vary, sometime significantly, based            upon the ambient, and other horticultural factors listed,            above, and therefore are not typically considered a            dependable botanical descriptor.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 163.0 to about 175.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 33.0 to about 37.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf base.—Shape. — The leaves generally exhibit equal            marginal symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.        -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — A dark, yellow-green,            (approximately RHS Green Group 139 B).        -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.        -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — A light to medium green,            (approximately RHS Green Group 139 C).        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered almost a light yellow,            (approximately RHS Green-White Group 157 C) in the early, to            mid-period of the growing season.        -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form. — Considered finely            crenate. Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.        -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having            a more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.            The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from            the ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium-large for the            species. Length — About 6.0 to about 9.0 mm. Diameter. —            About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color. — A light yellow-green,            (approximately RHS Green Group 138 C).        -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;            approximately 1.5 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm. in            height. Number. — Generally one, and less commonly two            glands appear per marginal side. Observations of more than            two glands per marginal side are very uncommon. Type. —            Glands located at the base of the leaf are predominantly            reniform in shape. An additional one to two, and rarely more            than two glands, which appear globose, and stalked in shape,            are often present, and observed at the basal margin of the            leaf petiole, as well. Color. — Considered a medium-dark            brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Green Group 196 C).            Typically, the coloration of the glands darkens, and            occasionally begins to desiccate during, and thereafter, the            mid-late growing season.        -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium for this variety. Number. —            Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip are            observed. Form. — Lanceolate, and having a serrated marginal            edge. Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green Group 143 C)            when young, but graduating to a brown color, (approximately            RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 B) with advancing senescence.            The leaf stipules are generally considered to be early            deciduous.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted            during the last several years of observation in the central            San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not            been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat            stress, and therefore this information is not available.        -   Flower bud.—Size — Variable, and dependent on the state of            maturity. The flower buds as described were observed            approximately 7 days prior to bloom.        -   Flower bud.—Length — Approximately 14.0 millimeters.        -   Flower bud.—Diameter — Approximately 11.0 millimeters.        -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.        -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but appearing            less so as the blossoms near opening.        -   Bud scale color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange 175 C.-   Flowers:    -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 21, 2015.        -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to            other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San            Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Mar.            1, 2015. The date of full bloom varies slightly with the            ambient climatic conditions, and prevailing horticultural            practices that are employed.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 9 or more days. This            particular characteristic varies slightly with the            prevailing climatic conditions.        -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and            perigynous.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower.        -   Flower size.—Considered medium-large for the species. The            flower diameter, at full bloom, is approximately 44.0 to            48.0 millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally two flower buds appear per            node. On occasion one flower bud per node is observed.        -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.            Petal Length. — Approximately 22.0 to 24.0 millimeters.            Petal Width. — Approximately 19.0 to 22.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.        -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.        -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,            (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 B), and darkening, with advanced            senescence, and with the exposure to sunlight, to a            medium-dark pink, (RHS Red-Purple 65 A).        -   Fragrance.—Slight.        -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered ovate, and is            generally medium in size. Length. — Approximately 12.0-14.0            millimeters. Width. — Approximately 10.0 to 12.0            millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly            smooth to slightly undulate.        -   Petal apex.—Considered entire. No apical trough has been            observed in this variety.        -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium for the species            with an approximate length of about 2.5 to about 3.0            millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 millimeters.            Color. — A medium-brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group            199 A). Observation of this color depends upon the pedicel,            and fruit maturity, and the timing of the observation.            Surface Texture. — Glabrous.        -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a very pale green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 D).        -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A            dull, brown-red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 178 B).        -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine            pubescent texture. Numbers. — 5 sepals are typically            observed. Size. — Average for the species. Sepal Length. —            Approximately 9.0-11.0 millimeters. Sepal Width. —            Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters. Sepal Shape. —            Generally obovate. Sepal Margin. — Considered smooth and            entire. Sepal Color. — A dull maroon, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Red Group 178 A).        -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in size. Color. — Orange when            viewed dorsally, and prior to dehiscence, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Orange Group 168 B).        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 21 D).        -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.        -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 13.0 to 15.0 millimeters in            length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS            Red Purple Group 65 D).        -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than one            is observed. Generally. — Large in size. Length. —            Approximately 16.0 to about 18.0 millimeters in length,            including the ovary. Color. — Considered a very pale green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 154 D). Surface            Texture. — The variety has a long pubescent pistil.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping            ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Approximately May 25 to Jun. 5, 2015.        -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 8, 2015. The date of harvest can            vary with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads,            and horticultural practices which are employed.        -   Size.—Generally — Considered moderately large, and very            uniform.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 76.0 to about 82.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 75.5 to about 80.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Approximately 155.0 grams. This            characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing            horticultural practices, fruit maturity, and ambient growing            conditions. Therefore this characteristic is not            particularly distinctive of the new variety.        -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered saucer-shaped. The fruit            is otherwise generally uniform in symmetry.        -   Fruit suture.—No stitching appears to exist along the suture            line.        -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the            same degree as the skin, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple            Group 185 A).        -   Ventral surface.—Form — Considered even, and uniform in            appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural            plane.        -   Apex.—Shape — Generally retuse.        -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.        -   Stem cavity.—Generally — The stem cavity extends in a            rounded, circular form which is considered uniform. The stem            cavity slightly extends toward the suture. The average depth            of the stem cavity is about 7.0-9.0 mm. The average width of            the stem cavity is about 25.0 mm. The average length of the            stem cavity, when measured in the suture plane is about 39.0            mm.        -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and            tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and            pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —            Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the            previous years of observation and evaluation.        -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a dull            red blush exists on the skin of the fruit (approximately RHS            Greyed-Purple Group 185 A), and is more typically present on            the portions of the fruit facing the sunlight. The blush of            the fruit typically covers approximately 85%-95% of the            fruit skin surface. The percentage of the blush on the fruit            skin surface can vary, and is generally dependent upon the            fruit's exposure to direct sunlight; specific fruit            maturity; and also the prevailing ecological and            horticultural conditions under which the fruit was grown.        -   Ground color.—A medium-light yellow, (approximately RHS.            Yellow-Green Group 145 D).        -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Moderately long in length, approximately            6.0 to about 9.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.5            to about 3.5 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 D).        -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,            crunchy, juicy and dense. Considered firm yet non-melting.            Fibers. — Present, but not prominent. Aroma. — Slight.            Eating Quality. — Considered very good. Flavor. — Considered            balanced. Juice Production. — Moderate to abundant. Brix. —            About 12.0 to 16.0 degrees. This characteristic varies            slightly with the number of fruit per tree; the maturity of            fruit when harvested; the prevailing cultural practices; and            the ambient climatic conditions. Acidity. — Considered            average. Approximately 0.25 titratable acidity is detected.            Acid levels assayed from the fruit flesh can vary depending            upon the fruit maturity, sunlight exposure, amber climatic            conditions and other regional or horticultural influences.            Typically titratable acidity will decrease after harvest,            packing, shipment and the time to consumption. Flesh Color.            — It is considered white, (approximately RHS White Group 155            A), and does not typically exhibit any pigmentation of red            radiating from the stone.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Considered a clingstone trust.        -   Size.—It is generally considered to be medium for the saucer            phenotype of the species. The stone size varies,            significantly, depending upon the tree vigor, the crop load,            and the prevailing growing and horticultural conditions            under which the tree was grown.        -   Length.—Average, about 11.0 to about 13.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Average, about 23.0 to about 26.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Average, about 23.0 to about 26.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Roughly oblate.        -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly            attenuate.        -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a refuse apex.        -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Generally considered            irregularly furrowed toward the apex. Further, more pitting            is observed in the mid-portion of the stone (laterally).            Ridges. — Ridging is present but is not considered            prominent, and is usually oriented parallel, and laterally            relative to the ventral and dorsal margins. Ventral Edge. —            The ventral edge is generally considered troughed with            several substantial grooves that converge apically. Dorsal            Edge. — Shape — Generally considered even. The folds of the            surface ridges appearing on the external margins often end            gently along the suture.        -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally            considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange            Group 164 C).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted.        -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 8.0-10.0 millimeters. Width.            — Approximately 12.0-15.0 millimeters. Thickness. — 5.0-6.0            millimeters. Size. — The kernel is considered medium in            size. Form. — Considered generally oblate. It should be            noted that the kernels from the vertically compressed stone            cavity of a saucer-shaped species are most generally            deformed. The kernels, therefore, are limited in the            vertical space in which to develop seed length as compared            to globose shaped fruit. The kernels, therefore, are very            often shriveled, misshapen and generally non-viable in            germination by employing conventional methods. Pellicle. —            Slightly pubescent. Color. — A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange            Group 165 B).        -   Use.—The present new variety of peach tree which is named            ‘Burpeachthirtynine’ is considered to be a peach tree of the            early, midseason of maturity, and which further produces            fruit which are considered to be firm, attractively colored,            and which are further useful for both local and long            distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present            variety of peach tree has stored well for periods of up to            35 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius with no damage            noted.        -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree            variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage            after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing            procedures,        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not            been intentionally tested to expose or detect any            susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit            diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other            environmental factors. Although the new variety of peach            tree possesses the described characteristics when grown            under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler,            Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of            California, it should be understood that variations of the            usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in            growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest            control, frost, climatic variables and changes in            horticultural management are to be expected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree,what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patentis:
 1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as tonovelty by producing an attractively colored, saucer-shaped, whitefleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipmentapproximately May 25 to June 5 under the ecological conditionsprevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.